NOAA Fisheries is inviting public comment to help identify future locations for Aquaculture Opportunity Areas (AOAs). AOAs are defined geographic areas evaluated for their environmental, commercial, and social suitability for sustainable commercial aquaculture.
While NOAA has previously focused on state and federal waters off California and the Gulf of Mexico, they are now looking to determine where to begin the AOA identification process next.
Your input helps guide national marine aquaculture policy and ensures industry perspectives are front and center as NOAA expands its spatial planning efforts.
- Public Comment Period: Open through September 14, 2026.
- How to submit: Comments can be submitted online via the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal. Visit regulations.gov and type NOAA–NMFS–2026–2179 in the Search box.
Post a comment